Disney Opens New Location Overseas After Permanent Exile

In recent years, Disney has been reimagining its approach to retail, adapting to the changing landscape of global commerce. While most of the world saw Disney Stores close their doors, the Middle East has emerged as a bright spot for the brand, with the region embracing immersive Disney retail experiences. This pivot underscores Disney’s commitment to tailoring its strategies for unique markets while keeping the magic alive for fans worldwide.

Credit: Disney

From Closures to Opportunity

Disney shocked fans in 2021 when it announced the closure of nearly all its iconic Disney Stores. For decades, these stores had been more than just retail outlets—they were destinations that captured the wonder of Disney through interactive displays, themed decor, and exclusive merchandise. The rise of e-commerce and the pandemic, however, forced Disney to prioritize its online storefront, ShopDisney.com.

But even as physical locations disappeared across the U.S. and Europe, Disney saw a promising opportunity in the Middle East. The region, known for its luxurious shopping experiences and a population with strong brand affinity, became the focus of Disney’s next retail chapter.

Why the Middle East Stands Out

The Middle East, particularly cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, has long been synonymous with high-end retail and entertainment. With sprawling malls that attract millions of visitors annually, the region is a natural fit for Disney’s immersive retail experiences.

Unlike other emerging markets like China and Russia—where Disney has faced significant political and economic challenges—the Middle East offers stability and a population eager to engage with global brands. Its high-net-worth consumers and family-oriented culture align perfectly with Disney’s offerings, making it an ideal location to grow its retail footprint.

Enter Alshaya Group: Disney’s Strategic Partner

In 2020, Disney partnered with Kuwait-based Alshaya Group, a leading operator of international franchises, to bring Disney retail experiences to the Middle East. Alshaya’s portfolio includes brands like Starbucks, The Cheesecake Factory, and Pottery Barn, making it a trusted partner for delivering premium experiences.

The collaboration began with Disney shop-in-shops inside established retailers like Debenhams and Mothercare. These compact Disney spaces featured merchandise from Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, offering fans a taste of the magic in a convenient format.

A New Era of Standalone Stores

The real magic began in November 2022, when Disney and Alshaya unveiled the first standalone Disney Store in Kuwait at The Avenues Mall. Covering 800 square meters, the store features grand displays like a silver Dumbo statue and a massive screen showing beloved Disney animations. The opening drew over 1,000 visitors on its first day, highlighting the excitement for Disney’s return to physical retail in the region.

Building on this momentum, Disney opened a second standalone store in mid-2023 at Doha Festival City Mall in Qatar. This location goes even further, with a towering Cinderella statue and a circular screen that simulates shooting stars. Both stores emphasize immersive experiences, making them more than just places to shop—they’re destinations for families and fans to connect with Disney’s magic.

Expansion in the Region

Credit: Business Insider, X

The success of these standalone stores has set the stage for further growth. Alshaya now operates 30 Disney shop-in-shops alongside the standalone locations in Kuwait and Qatar. A new Disney Store is also slated to open in the iconic Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centers with over 100 million visitors annually.

This steady expansion signals Disney’s confidence in the region and its commitment to creating memorable retail experiences tailored to local audiences.

Reinventing Retail for the Future

Disney’s approach in the Middle East reflects a broader trend in its retail strategy. By collaborating with regional partners like Alshaya, Disney can adapt its offerings to meet the unique needs of each market. This franchise-based model also allows Disney to maintain its brand standards while leveraging the expertise of local operators.

While standalone stores have become rare in other parts of the world, the Middle East’s enthusiasm for Disney demonstrates the enduring value of physical retail when done right.

A Region Poised for Growth

Disney’s success in the Middle East raises intriguing possibilities for the brand’s future in the region. Historically, Disney has used retail locations as a precursor to larger ventures, such as theme parks or cruise ports. With the Middle East already embracing Disney’s retail offerings, it’s not hard to imagine further investments in the region, such as transportable attractions or even permanent entertainment destinations.

The region’s luxury-focused consumer base and world-class infrastructure make it a prime candidate for future Disney expansions, ensuring that the magic continues to spread.

A Bold Vision Comes to Life

Disney’s Middle East retail initiative showcases the company’s ability to evolve and innovate in response to changing markets. By embracing the unique opportunities in the region, Disney has found a way to bring its iconic brand to new audiences while maintaining its core values of quality and wonder.

For fans in the Middle East, these stores represent more than just places to shop—they’re gateways to the magic that has defined Disney for generations. For Disney, the success of this strategy underscores the importance of thinking globally while acting locally.

As Disney’s presence in the Middle East continues to grow, it’s clear that this is only the beginning of a magical new chapter for the company and its fans.